The benefits you earn as a State employee are a significant part of your total compensation package. These are just a few of the benefits you will receive as an eligible State employee. This benefits summary relates to benefits eligible positions in the classified service. Some benefits are similar for unclassified service. Please direct specific questions about a benefit program to the hiring agency personnel office.
Health Plans:
A broad base of programs has been developed to enhance the health, security, and peace of mind of benefits eligible State of Kansas employees and their families.
Medical Plan Choices: Benefits eligible employees may choose from two plan designs - Plan A or Plan C, a Qualified High Deductible Health Plan (QHDHP) that comes with either a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Both Plans are administered by either Aetna or Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and include coverage for preventive care and prescription drug coverage provided through Caremark.
Dental Plan: Any employee covered under the medical plan is automatically enrolled in employer paid single dental coverage. Those employees covering dependents under the medical plan may also elect to cover these dependents on the dental plan for an additional premium. The dental plan includes coverage for preventive services, restorations, and limited orthodontic coverage.
Vision Plan: The vision plan is a voluntary program and may be selected even if the benefits eligible employee and their dependents are not enrolled in the state’s medical coverage. Employees may select from either the Basic or Enhanced vision plans that include coverage for lenses, frames, and contacts.
Employee Assistant Program: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a special service provided for State of Kansas benefits eligible employees and their dependents at no charge. The EAP provides information, short-term counseling, advice, and referrals from licensed professionals who understand the typical stresses we all face day in and day out. In today’s fast-paced world, trying to manage work, home, family, and all the associated demands can sometimes be a real test. And occasionally, wouldn’t it be nice if there were an experienced, objective professional who could answer a confidential question or help with one of life’s concerns?
1-888-275-1205 (option 7) or www.guidanceresources.com Company ID: SOKEAP
HealthQuest Rewards Program: From November 16 through November 15 of the following year, employees enrolled in the medical portion of the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) have an opportunity to earn credits by participating in wellness activities offered through HealthQuest. Those who complete a health assessment questionnaire worth 5 credits and earn an additional 25 credits by November 15, for a total of 30 credits, will receive an incentive. The HealthQuest Rewards Program is optional and employees are not required to participate in order to be covered under the SEHP. There is no additional cost added to an employee’s premium for not participating, but they will be paying the base rate (undiscounted rate) for their insurance coverage.
1-888-275-1205 or www.kansashealthquest.com
Flexible Spending Accounts (Vendor-NueSynergy): Flexible benefits plan which allows employees to pay their health premiums with pretax dollars. Flexible Spending Accounts are available for dependent care expenses and or non-reimbursable health care expenses.
Leave Plans: The State of Kansas offers one of the best leave packages around. Below is a summary of some of the leave plans offered.
Vacation Leave: Eligible employees begin earning leave upon employment. Accrual for full-time employees is based on years of continuous service and hours in pay status: Upon employment start earning 3.7 hours per biweekly period. Accrual rate increases after 5, 10, and 15 years. Accrual is prorated for non-exempt employees who work less than full-time during a given pay period.
Sick Leave: Eligible employees begin earning leave upon employment (Personal or family)*. Accrual rate for full-time classified employees is 3.7 hours per biweekly period. Accrual is prorated for non-exempt employees who work less than full-time during a given pay period.
Holiday Leave: Eligible employees are provided 9 paid holidays per year. The Governor may designate additional days.
Funeral Leave: Eligible employees are provided up to 6 days of leave with pay upon death of a close relative and approval of employing agency.
Shared Leave: Donated leave for eligible employees to be used for serious illness or injury to self or family member. Upon the approval of employing agency and Shared Leave Committee.
Job Injury Leave: Eligible employees are provided up to 6 months of qualifying job injury leave, upon approval of employing agency.
Jury Duty Leave: Eligible employees are provided leave with pay, subject to regulation requirements.
Military Leave: Eligible employees are provided up to 15 days of paid leave for active duty within each 12-month period beginning October 1 and ending September 30 of the following year. Other types of military leave are also available upon approval of employing agency.
Leave Without Pay: Eligible employees are provided time off without pay for special circumstances upon approval of employing agency.
Disaster Leave: Employees, who qualify as American Red Cross certified disaster service volunteers, are provided up to 20 days leave for certified disaster volunteer service (Level II or above) upon approval of employing agency.
Payment for Unused Sick Leave: Upon retirement, eligible employees receive partial payment for unused sick leave in excess of 800 hours after 8 years of service.
Donor Leave: Eligible employees receive up to 30 days paid to donate organs, tissue, marrow, or blood.
Retirement Plan: Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, employee contributes 6% of gross biweekly salary. Rate of state contribution is set by law each year.
Deferred Compensation: Eligible to begin upon employment. Tax shelter plans that may enable employees greater retirement security.**
Workers Compensation: Payment of medical and disability compensation for injuries arising from employment.
Promotional Opportunity: As ability and experience increase, career development/growth and promotional opportunities are available.
Learning Quest (529 plan): Postsecondary education savings program. Provides tax advantages under both Kansas and federal law.
*The State of Kansas complies with the provision of the Family and Medical Leave Act.
**Consult with your tax advisor to see if this plan could benefit you.